Category: Sequel

The rollercoaster continues. Shane went back to work this past week. He was “just tired of doing nothing,” and decided to give it a go. How did it go? We’ll give it an 8 out of 10–that’s the hospital pain meter with which we’ve become something of rating experts. Poor guy. That was Wednesday. A refilled prescription of Tramadol and a weekend of rest later, and he is feeling considerably better (he even gave me a pain rating of 1 the other day. 1!!!). Shane had an appointment with his general practitioner this morning, and we remain cautiously optimistic. Here’s hoping he’s back to being his old hobbit-self soon.

I solemnly swear I’m up for some cake

In other news, I have amazing co-workers. When I got to the staff meeting on Friday, there were 2016 decorations, Packer paraphernalia, one of the coolest cakes ever, and a bunch of really thoughtful gifts (including my own Time Turner!!! SERIOUSLY!). It made me feel so special and loved–and now I’m officially a cool kid with my Packers scarf, Captain America earrings, Time Turner, and Out of Print clothing. 🙂

The BEST part of this week? THE PACKERS ARE GOING TO THE NFC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! After trying to kill me (aka giving up an 18 point lead and letting the Cowboys rally to tie the game), Mason “The Bomb” Crosby scored a field goal delivered on angels’ wings to win the game with 3 seconds left. I laughed. I cried. I screamed. I ate way too much delicious food (what did I bring? Glad you asked. I whipped up Life Affirming Vegan Nacho Dip from the Oh She Glows Cookbook. It was, I’m proud to say, a HIT with a crowd that was definitely NOT vegan. Angela Liddon is a plant-based GENIUS) . And I get to do it all again next week. That thought alone will fuel me through the 3 hour Pokémon party I’m running for 50+ kids at the library on Wednesday…and about a gallon of coffee.

Amidst everything that’s been going on in the first few weeks of 2017, I’ve been trying to figure out my word of the year (inspired by the amazing Sheila DeChantal). 2016’s word was GRATITUDE because I have so very much to be thankful for in my life. I bounced around a few words (SEQUEL being one of them 😉 ), and have chosen *drum roll please*: POSSIBILITIES. I am hoping that 2017 is a year of bright possibilities (not the least of which being Shane fully recovering and having no more back pain). I am going to try my darndest to be positive, bright, and look for the good this year. Let’s see what 2017’s got.

Happy Monday! I’m off to write chapter 2 of the sequel *inside peek: it takes place in Chicago where we meet a brand new character…*

Excuse me. EXCUSE ME! MAY I HAVE YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE? I have a very important announcement to make. That’s right, raise a glass, mug, or chocolate bar high: I am done with graduate school.

MLIS Candidate for Graduation

After the week we’ve all had, I’m happy to be able to tell you some good news. I have officially finished my final project of my final graduate class. I am done. No more homework. No more posting at crazy hours, staying up past midnight working on research papers, eating way too much chocolate (okay, that will probably still continue), and getting way too little sleep. On December 18th, I will walk across the stage at UW-Milwaukee and official be a Master of Library and Information sciences.

And it really couldn’t have come at a better time. Because no matter what else divides us, words can always bring people together. No matter what kinds of walls people build, books tear them down. If you think you are so very different from your neighbor, read their story. Words have the power to bring people together, and it’s time I put mine back to work. If I can be thankful for one thing that came out of this week, it’s given me more motivation than I know what to do with. This whole ugly election cycle has at least given me a strong focus for the sequel to Seven Stones – which, at its heart, has always been about fighting stereotypes, finding your voice, standing up to bullies, and facing your fears.

Writing about Keilann has taught me a lot about myself – I hope reading about her story has done the same for my readers. As I continue her story, I know I will have more to learn and I am so grateful for that. Writing and reading make us more empathetic, compassionate, and understanding human beings. You simply can’t believe stereotypes once you get to know someone as an individual with the same hopes, fears, dreams, and flaws you see in yourself.